Marco Rose gives update on Borussia Dortmund’s injured players

Marco Rose is hopeful that Youssoufa Moukoko will be an option for this weekend’s game. While Dan-Axel Zagadou and Mahmoud Dahoud are also closing in on their returns. 

Borussia Dortmund earned a 2-0 win over FC Ingolstadt on Tuesday to progress to the third round of the DFB-Pokal. After the game, Marco Rose provided an update on some of the players who are currently sidelined due to various injuries and ailments, including Youssoufa Moukoko, Donyell Malen, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Mahmoud Dahoud and Raphael Guerreiro.

Rose gave hope that Youssoufa Moukoko could be back in the squad this weekend. The 16 year old suffered a muscle injury on international duty this month. But he is now closing in on his return and could bolster the Borussia Dortmund attack against FC Köln.

Rose also confirmed that Mahmoud Dahoud is nearing his return after missing the last few games due to a knee injury. While Dan-Axel Zagadou will play for the U-23s this weekend as he looks to get back to full fitness after recovering from his knee injury. Having Zagadou fit again and back in the squad would be a big boost for Borussia Dortmund.

"“Dan-Axel Zagadou will play for the U23s at the weekend and then he can also play a role for us again,” Rose told Sport1 after the game. “Mo Dahoud may become an option in the next few days. Raphael Guerreiro still needs some time, he has a muscle fibre tear after all.”"

Rose also gave an update on the status of Donyell Malen, who missed the Pokal tie against Ingolstadt due to a stomach bug. “Donyell Malen has a stomach bug,” Rose said. “When he’s out of the toilet, he should be able to play again.”

Erling Haaland, Raphael Guerreiro, Gio Reyna and Nico Schulz remain out for now. Haaland is expected to be out until December, and it remains to be seen when Guerreiro, Reyna and Schulz will be fit again.